A masked Wishaw thug who carried out a “terrifying assault” on a couple in their home in Motherwell has been jailed for more than four years.

Steven Connor, 33, admitted assaulting the couple at their home in Dinmont Crescent on April 22 this year with intent to rob them.

He carried out the attack with 31-year-old Gary Wilson, from Coatbridge.

Wilson was jailed for three years and seven months, while Conner copped a four year and four month sentence.

Connor will also be monitered in the community for three years following his release. The High Court in Glasgow heard that Connor was out early on licence from an 18-month sentence when he took part in the robbery bid.

Lord Burns told the pair: “You both involved yourselves in a terrifying assault on these householders with your faces masked and weapons in your hands.”

The court was told that Connor has a significant record for violence.

Prosecutor Greg Farrell said: “The couple were sitting watching television at 11.30pm when they heard a bang on their front front door.

“Two men wearing black masks with skull faces on them burst in. Each was carrying a hammer and a knife.

“One of them said: ‘This is a robbery, drugs, money.’”

One of the men pushedthe woman and the man intervened to help her and was hit by both accused.

Connor hit the male victim on the arm and Wilson hit him on the knee. Both thugs hit him with a hammer and then fled.